Getting close!
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matthew 28:36)
Each of God’s words of prophecy have their appointed day of fulfillment. Some coincide with God’s appointed feasts, like Passover and Pentecost. The sacrifice of His Son (Isaiah 53) and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29) are examples of God fulfilling His prophetic appointments. Old Testament saints could have known God’s appointed day that their Messiah would be cut off. (Daniel 9:26) New testament saints are told to look for the signs of Jesus’ return. (Matthew 24+28; Luke 21)
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.'” (Matthew 24:4-8)
Many in the West are now being misled by demons, Buddhists from the East who claim to be the Christ. Wars and rumors are easy to see and hear as nations and kingdoms are rising up against each other. Famines and earthquakes are continuing in various places. Call these events “nothing new” or say, “this appears to be the beginning.” I am told contractions become closer together and more severe before birth. Are you watching? Perhaps we are entering the next stage, persecution.
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. (Matthew 24:9-12)
Christians are experiencing tribulation, hatred and martyrdom in many nations. The time will come when all nations will rise against believers in Christ. Do you recognize the changing wind in your own nation? Cathedrals in Europe have all but emptied becoming museums. Churches, once filled, are converted to apartments. Here in the states Bible believing congregations lose members to mega churches led by false prophets preaching a “prosperity gospel.” Old denominations now call perversion normal and the love of God grows cold.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:13-14) Some will say, “There is plenty of time before the end because the whole world has not heard the gospel yet.” They do not consider the words and power of God.
“And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” (Revelation 14:5-7) God does not depend on man to fulfill Jesus’ prophetic words. Angels do His bidding.
“Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are the sons of light and the sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or sleep, we will live together with Him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10)
Some of you may be old enough to remember 78 rpm records. They were 10 inch wide recording devices. When played, the revolutions began slowly circling its mass. Each turn toward its center became faster and faster until reaching the end of the song. I don’t know about you, but old records and birth pains have captured my attention. Watch and Pray.
Lord, I have written according to Your word and the thoughts I am given. Your words are clear and true and have guided me. Your purpose for each post has been to teach, my purpose has been to honor You. Jesus, I pray that each of us remember Your words, “See that you are not frightened, for these things must take place.” May we be strengthened in faith with eyes wide open to truth. May our minds completely trust You. And may our hearts be full of love.
Jesus gave a warning to His disciples. It had to do with the soon coming destruction of Jerusalem. His words are good advice for those living just before His return. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
His Family Table 